Hong Kong is an international metropolis with treated water supply available to about 99.9 per cent of the population. Owing to considerations such as cost-effectiveness and other factors, Hong Kong, though a small place, still has certain remote and sparsely populated villages that do not have treated water supply and rely on raw water supply systems to provide stream water or well water for domestic use. Nonetheless, we always pay close attention to the water supply in these villages and keep the issue under regular review......

At the end of last month, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) received the report that a lift accident had happened during maintenance works at Waterside Plaza, Tsuen Wan, prompting an immediate investigation. According to the on-site investigation, as the lift contractor was examining a broken-down lift which had stopped on the 46th floor at the above address, the lift counterweight slipped downwards as far as the buffer at the bottom of the lift shaft, while the lift car ascended to the top of the shaft, colliding with the cement ceiling on which the driving-machine was sitting. Although the accident happened during maintenance and did not involve the normal operation of the lift, the EMSD immediately required the contractor to examine all the lifts there and submit a report within seven days. The EMSD is now carefully reviewing the report while continuing with its investigation. We do not rule out the possibility that the accident was caused by a procedural error in the maintenance of the lift......

Firstly, please let me wish you all the best in the Year of the Horse! In future, besides visiting friends and relatives or going out to watch the Night Parade and firework show during the Chinese New Year holiday, you might think about taking a closer look at the remnants of Lung Tsun Stone Bridge, which was built in the 18th century and has witnessed many of Kowloon City District’s historical, social and economic changes......

Early this month, I attended a charity walk activity as an officiating guest. I took the opportunity to visit Tung Chung and Ngong Ping nearby, and looked out from the cable car at the development of Lantau North. Major projects there include the proposed construction of the third runway for the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), the development of the North Commercial District of the airport, and the further expansion of the Tung Chung New Town. In addition, construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) and the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link is due to be completed in the next few years, which will further enhance the role of Lantau as a strategic transport hub connecting Hong Kong with Zhuhai, Macau and other parts of the world.......

The Chief Executive has just announced in this year’s Policy Address that the Government has decided to accept the recommendations on the housing target for the next 10 years made by the Long Term Housing Strategy Steering Committee. He also laid out his vision to make preparations for Hong Kong’s future economic and social development. To realise this target and vision, a sustainable and sufficient land supply is of vital importance......